According to reports, Southwest Airlines in recent months has scouted Lehigh Valley International Airport tapping into the region by avoiding Phila. itself and going to an underutilized airport. Understand they have been studying this airport since the mid-1990's.

Guess what airline has the most to lose?? Definitely U.S. Airways who has a Philadelphia hub with very little competition on its flights to LV. Plus, good airfares to LV are almost nonexistent.

Southwest entering the local market would be great for us as we could drive to Allentown with a lot less hassle and congestion than to Philly. Hope it happens soon and we see inviting airfares.

Beth

Beth,
I've heard of this so many times before. Yes I'd love to see it happen, but personally, I doubt it will.
Also I doubt there would be direct flights to Las vegas from Allentown if it does happen. My guess is most flights would be through BWI, or Phoenix or some other such market.
M2C

Lee,

The articles I've read recently seem to show a lot more promise than previously. I'll send them along to you just in case you've not read them.

Even going thru another city would be an improvement(if the airfare was attractive) over what is now available in this area.

Beth

Hey,
It may be a direct flight. We have a daughter in Northern Georgia, and we can get a direct SW flight from LAS to Birmingham, AL, which is only about an hour to her home. Also, we have a daughter in Norfolk, VA, and we can get a direct SW flight from LAS to Norfolk, Va............used to have a brother in law living in Allentown, too bad he moved!!! Lowest price from LAS to ORF is 198 on SW, and was over $500 last time I tried it, with one or two changes of planes, with United and Delta. Keep your fingers crossed!

PS - I meant Non STOP!!!

Beth,
If your looking for a cheaper way to get to LV from this area, MDT (Harrisburg) has some very attractive prices $247 rt Delta, $259 American, $265 United.
All have a change of plane however.
I'm looking at February, Saturday to the following Sunday.
Plan to purchace tickets soon!

Lee,

We really do like those non-stoppers. However, every now and then, one stop would be acceptable if the rates were good.

Will have to check out Harrisburg. Few more miles for us to drive, but easier driving.

Beth

Beth,
You can also park your car at Cramers parking for $3 a day, they shuttle you to the airport & back.
Your right about the drive, it's much easier! For me it means no limo needed!